Farm and estate forestry operations

Transcription

1 HSE Health & Safety Executive Farm and estate forestry operations AS Agricultural Safety

2 This leaflet provides general advice for farm and estate workers undertaking forestry type activities of a mechanical nature, eg scrubland clearance, removal of dead or unwanted trees and overhanging branches, and small scale timber production. It does not give a definite interpretation of the legal requirements but following this guidance will help you to meet your obligations under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations Further information is available by reading the literature listed on the back page, or by contacting your local HSE inspector. The nearest office will be in the telephone directory. GENERAL WORK - KEY POINTS It is essential that a risk assessment is carried out before work begins so that a safe system of work is selected and followed. Typical issues which need to be addressed when carrying out a risk assessment are set out below. The following list is by no means exhaustive and there may be other issues which need to be considered when carrying out a risk assessment. 1 Carefully select the necessary equipment. Only use equipment which has been designed and is of adequate strength for the job. 2 Pre-plan what action needs to be taken in the event of an emergency. 3 Wherever possible, at least two people should be present at the work site and organise the work so that there is always good communication between workers on site. Lone working is to be avoided. If it is not possible for two people to be on site, suitable

3 arrangements will need to be taken to check on the lone worker at regular intervals. 4 Erect warning signs on all reasonably foreseeable approaches to the work site. 5 When carrying out dangerous operations, establish risk zones. Exclude everyone from the risk zone except for the person actually doing the task. 6 Make allowance for the effect of poor ground conditions, slopes, wind force and wind direction. 7 Predict the likely path of any falling timber. 8 Identify escape routes. 9 Take account of possible sudden movements of timber as a result of work being done on it, eg due to removing supporting branches from felled trees or release of compression/tension forces when cutting. Remember, dead wood can behave unpredictably. 10 Take special precautions when working near overhead power lines. When removing branches or operating any sort of machine fitted with a crane or jib, ensure that there is a horizontal clearance distance of at least 15 m when the lines are suspended from steel towers, and 9 m in the case of wooden poles. When trees are being felled, ensure that no power line is closer than two tree lengths. If in doubt, or if it is necessary to work closer, consult your local electricity company well in advance to discuss whether the lines need to be made dead. Do not start work until agreement has been reached on the precautions to be taken. 11 If it is necessary to climb a tree, engage a professional tree surgeon who is competent in tree climbing techniques using a harness and ropes.

4 12 Leave the site in a safe condition. Make sure that anyone entering will not be at risk from falling timber, trees or being trapped under an unstable root plate. TRAINING Adequate training is a fundamental requirement for safe and efficient forestry work. Training courses are available from LANTRA, Forestry and Arboriculture Safety and Training Council (FASTCo), local agricultural colleges and independent training instructors/organisations. Manufacturers and suppliers may also be able to provide basic instruction on specific types of machines. Unless you are very experienced in forestry work, some situations may be beyond your ability. If you are not properly equipped and trained, employ someone who has received the appropriate training, has the correct equipment and is competent to do the work. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) For all work, wear safety footwear and non-snag outer clothing. Wear a safety helmet whenever the work involves a risk of head injury - in particular, when tree felling and working among trees which may have been damaged or have rotten branches/tops, or which are windblown. The helmet should comply with BS EN 397 (formerly BS 5240) and be replaced if damaged, for example, cracked or at intervals recommended by the manufacturer (normally every two to three years). When working with chainsaws, brush cutters, stump grinders, circular saw benches and wood chippers, hearing protection will be required.

5 Hearing protection will also be needed when operating other machines which produce high noise levels. The hearing protection should be suitable for the type of noise emitted. The supplier of the hearing protection and the manufacturer s handbook will be able to assist you in selecting the correct type of hearing protection. In most cases, eye protection will also be required. If more than one item of PPE has to be worn, they should be compatible with each other. PPE manufactured after 1 July 1995 will need to be CE marked. The CE mark signifies that the PPE satisfies certain basic safety requirements and in most cases will have been tested and certified by an independent body. Non-CEmarked PPE in use or in the supply chain before this date can continue to be used providing it still offers adequate protection. Remember, to be effective, PPE needs to be maintained regularly in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions. Further information can be found in HSE s leaflet INDG174 A short guide to the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations FIRST AID Forestry work presents high risks and often takes place in remote locations where it may take some time to transport an injured person to proper medical facilities. Always carry a personal first-aid kit and ensure that an additional comprehensive first-aid box is available on every work site. In addition, it is recommended that individuals working in forestry have received HSE-approved training in emergency first-aid procedures. Where employees are working in large groups there may

6 be a need to train some employees to First Aid at Work Certificate standard. Further information can be found in HSE s leaflet INDG215 Basic advice on first aid at work. MACHINERY Follow the manufacturer s instructions for installation, operation and maintenance. Make sure the machine or attachment is compatible with any other machine or power source with which it is to be used. Check that the machine is stable and that attachments do not cause any design limitations to be exceeded. Make sure all stationary machines, eg saw benches, chippers, peelers/debarkers etc are properly guarded and positioned on a level and stable surface. Ensure that the work area is well lit and kept clear of obstructions and tripping hazards. There should be a means of stopping each machine at the operator s normal working position. Tractors and mobile machines Wheeled agricultural tractors used in forestry need to be fitted with an approved safety cab. Modifications/additions may be required to protect vulnerable equipment, to increase stability, and to improve traction. Modifications to an approved safety cab to allow the permanent attachment of guards, cranes etc may invalidate the cab s certificate of approval if welding, cutting or drilling is involved. If such modification is unavoidable, contact the cab manufacturer before starting work. In some cases machines used with winches will need to be fitted with a screen to protect the

7 operator in case the cable breaks under load (see skidding section for more details.) SAME ILLUSTRATION AS OLD VERSION Winching should always be used in preference to towing when attempting to retrieve a machine. If you cannot avoid using a conventional tractor for towing, attach the cable to the proper tractor draw-bar set in its lowest position in direct line with the tractor. Drivers will need to be trained and experienced to operate tractor/trailer combinations on slippery, uneven and sloping terrain. MAINTENANCE Farm machinery used in forestry is likely to experience greater wear and damage than when in farm use. Pay particular attention to tyres, valves, brakes, steering, guards and

8 safety devices including the safety start mechanism. Winch cables, pulleys, choker chains and strops need to be regularly checked by someone competent for the task. UNDERGROWTH/SCRUB CLEARANCE Using a manually operated heavy duty brush cutter/clearing saw is a one person operation. If more than one person is operating a brush cutter on site, keep at least 15 m apart from each other. It is too dangerous to have an assistant removing material. When operating a tractor mounted scrub cutter or swipe, stop if anyone comes within 50 m of the machine. When operating close to a public right of way, ensure that discharged material is directed to a safe area. LOPPING OF BRANCHES Use an elevated work platform provided with secure guard rails and toe boards. Do not climb up or stand on the guard rails when using the platform. Make sure that the severed section of branch has clear room to fall and that it is shorter than the distance to the ground. Use undercuts in the compression wood so the branch breaks without uncontrolled splitting. SAME ILLUSTRATION AS OLD VERSION REMOVE BRANCH IN SECTIONS

9 TAKING DOWN TREES Using chainsaws The use of chainsaws and the specialised protective clothing required is dealt with in HSE s free leaflet INDG317 Chainsaws at work. Proper training is essential. Tree felling Make due allowance for uneven growth or lean on the tree, foliage, wind force and wind direction. Make sure nobody other than the person felling the tree comes within a distance equal to twice the height of the tree. Decide the direction of fall and select a suitable escape route. In determining the felling direction, consider what operations need to be carried out once the tree is down. The slope of the ground and the ground conditions may be important. Use the correct aid tools to ensure that the tree falls where intended. Avoid the possibility of the tree becoming hung up in other trees as it falls. If this does happen, ensure someone with the appropriate training gets the tree down immediately. Take steps to ensure that nobody approaches the tree while it remains in a dangerous condition. Never work or walk under a hung up tree or fell the support tree in an attempt to free the hung up tree. Using winches When using a hand winch to take down a hung up tree, select a suitable anchor tree and attach the cable high enough up the trunk of the anchor tree to give adequate leverage. Attach the winch cable to a strop which is as low down the hung up tree as possible and apply a steady

10 pull. Do not stand between the winch and the load when the cable is in tension. The winch and associated equipment will need to be strong enough for the load. When using a mechanically powered winch to assist felling, make sure the machine is located at least two tree lengths away from the tree to be felled and that the winch is securely anchored and stable before work begins. An effective communication system is essential if two or more people are involved in the winching operation. Use two-way radios if the winch operator and chainsaw operator cannot maintain visual contact. Remember, the chainsaw operator is in control of the operation. If the stump is to be winched out, leave the butt long enough to provide adequate leverage. CONVERSION This term is used to describe the operations carried out on trees after felling to convert them into usable end products. Sometimes this will be restricted to branch removal and cross cutting with a chainsaw. Often, however, a range of specialist machinery may be involved. Circular sawing machines Circular saw benches are used for ripping, cross cutting and pointing of stakes. When cross cutting logs with a moving table logging saw, the log may rotate on contact with the blade which could injure your hands. Using log grippers will prevent the log from rotating and reduce this risk. On some types of moving table saws, the riving knife is replaced with a specially designed top guard. In all other cases keep the riving knife in place and properly adjusted. It not only keeps the cut or kerf open when ripping timber, but

11 also prevents wood being picked up on the back of the blade and hurled at the operator. Pointing stakes produces small pointed offcuts. Always use a push stick for removing these from the saw table. Keep the clearance between the blade and its guides to a minimum to prevent offcuts getting into the gaps. SAME ILLUSTRATION AS OLD VERSION Saw blades with inserted teeth should only be used for ripping and not for cross cutting. Check the blade regularly for damage, eg missing teeth, cracks etc. Peelers/de-barkers are power driven machines used for removing the outer layer of bark from timber and are fitted with a system of guards which protect the operator from the high speed cutters. It is essential that these guards are kept in place and properly maintained. Always work on the feed side of the machine and direct the discharged material into a safe area. Chippers are mobile machines used for processing small branches and similar material into wood chips. Always stand to the side of the chipper chute when feeding. Never reach into a working machine. Always use a long wooden push stick to feed short material. Always

12 reverse the feed mechanism, where fitted, and stop the machine to clear any blockage. Log splitters are machines which either use a rotating mandrel or a hydraulically operated wedge to split logs. Make sure the timber is firmly positioned before starting to split and if possible, avoid splitting into knots. Keep well clear of the dangerous parts when in use and do not attempt to hold the log in place with your hands or feet. HANDLING TECHNIQUES Skidding Skidding involves dragging debranched timber. The usual method involves a tractor-mounted winch and butt plate. Individual lengths of timber are attached to the winch cable using strops or chokers. The lengths of timber are winched in and the butts/tips suspended against the butt plate before being dragged away. Winch tractors need to be properly anchored by using brakes, spades, winch butt plate or a dozer blade. When the load is picked up make sure it is winched back up to the butt plate before moving off. Never drag timber when the cable is extended as this may result in the butt digging into the ground or the log cart-wheeling onto the tractor. Drop the load if it is likely to affect the stability or steering of the tractor. A protective screen is needed to protect the operator against cable whiplash for winches where the operator is in line with the pull during winching. Operator protection may not be necessary for winches operated by lanyards or other remote methods which allow the winch to be operated to the side of the line of pull, providing a safe position is always used, eg positioning the operator at least 2 m to one side of the line of pull. On machines where the winch drums are in close proximity to

13 the winch control levers, the drums will need to be guarded to prevent operators being drawn in to the winch drum. Protective screen Fairleads Butt plate Choker Forwarding Forwarding is a method for moving cut lengths of debranched timber from the work site using a tractor trailer combination with mounted crane and grapple. Always use a tractor which is fitted with a safety cab and a trailer with a robust head board. When using the crane only the operator should remain within the risk zone (defined as being twice the reach of the crane). Load the trailer evenly for maximum stability. Do not stack

14 timber above the height of the head board and the bolster pins. Always park the grapple before moving off. If the machine gets bogged down, the first step should be to unload the trailer. Stacking Keep manual handling of timber to a minimum. Ensure that stacks of timber are stable and so far as is reasonably practicable do not exceed 2 m in height. Reduce height to 1 m if the timber is manually stacked. If public access is unavoidable, consider additional safeguards, eg warning signs or erecting barriers around the storage area. REMOVING STUMPS Excavating Use a narrow bucket attached to the arm of an excavator to cut away the roots around the stump and then push the stump over with the bucket. The blades of most skidders are only designed for log rolling and should not be used to cut away the soil and roots from around the stump or push over the stump. Winching Use similar techniques to those for taking down trees. When necessary, make a notch in the remaining tree trunk to prevent the cable slipping off as the stump tips over. SAME ILLUSTRATION AS OLD VERSION

15 Explosives These should only be used by specialist contractors. Remember: plan each job in advance; make sure your equipment is appropriate for the task and well maintained; only use trained operators. FURTHER INFORMATION HSE priced and free publications are available by mail order from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA Tel: ; Fax: Website: HSE priced publications are available from good booksellers. For other enquiries ring HSE s InfoLine, Tel: , or write to HSE s Information Centre, Broad Lane, Sheffield S3 7HQ. Website: HSE publications Free AS 22(rev) Prevention of tractors overturning INDG294 Managing health and safety in forestry INDG145 Watch your back: Avoiding backstrain in timber handling and chainsaw work INDG73(rev) Working alone in safety

16 AIS29 LOLER: How the Regulations apply to forestry FASTCo safety guides The Forestry and Arboriculture Safety and Training Council (FASTCo) publish a comprehensive set of guides on safe working practices for forestry and arboricultural operations. Order forms and guides can be obtained from FASTCo Guides, Forestry Commission, PO Box 100, Fareham, Hampshire PO14 2SX. Tel: Fax: orderline@telelink.co.uk This leaflet contains notes on good practice which are not compulsory but which you may find helpful in considering what you need to do. This publication may be freely reproduced, except for advertising, endorsement or commercial purposes. The information is current at 8/96. Please acknowledge the source as HSE. Printed and published by the Health and Safety Executive AS 15 (rev) 7/00 C50